I posted this in another thread once, but it fits better here now. It's from Wizard Magazine, Issue 55 (the end of my comic days were the start of my toy days.

by Dan Albaugh

An exclusive offer for a Star Wars action figure of Han Solo in a Stormtrooper outfit is currently available on specially marked boxes of Kellogg's Froot Loops cereal. The Solo figure is available from Kellogg's in exchange for two Froot Loops proof-of-purchase UPC symbols and the official order form. The offer exired on December 31, 1995 (or when supplies were exhausted). The figure is limited to one order per order form and five per mailing household. The secondary market value for the Han Solo Stormtrooper is $20-30.

Kenner has also released a four-pack of original Star Wars figures, crafted from the old figure molds. The re-issues are identical to the originals and include Chewbacca, Darth Vader, Han Solo and Luke Skywalker. The set of four retails for $19.95.

Some hobby retailers expressed concern that the new Star Wars line might have a negative effect on the sales of figures and accessories produced from 1978 through 1985. "Such has not been the case, " claims retailer Ken Lawrence of Heroes Unlimited in Oradell, N.J. "The new line hasn't slowed sales on older pieces at all. I wouldn't say the new line has sparked significant interest in older releases, but it hasn't hurt."

Of the new Star Wars line, Princess Leia and C-3PO have taken the lead as the most actively pursued figures. C-3PO was a late release and is now valued at $12-18. There was a rumor in the hobby marketplace that Kenner was displeased with Leia's appearance and planned for changes. Not so, say Kenner sources. Her figure is currently an easy $15-20 sell.

According to retailers in the know, three different Star Wars case assortments have been produced. Assortment #1 contained no Leias or C-3POs, three Han Solos, three Luke Skywalkers and two of each of the remaining figures (Ben Obi-Wan Kenobi, Chewbacca and R2-D2). Assortement #2 included no C-3POs, two Leias and two each of all the other figures. The most recent assortment features one Leia, one Kenobi, two C-3POs and two of everyone else.

Star Wars releases slated for February include Han Solo (Hoth gear), Lando Calrissian (Cloud City outfit), Yoda and TIE Fighter Pilot, along with Luke Skywalker's Lightsaber and a Speeder Bike with Scout Trooper.

I hope no one ever overpaid for that figure. But like Jason, I still have a carded version of it, maybe two

I posted this in another thread once, but it fits better here now. It's from Wizard Magazine, Issue 55 (the end of my comic days were the start of my toy days.

by Dan Albaugh

An exclusive offer for a Star Wars action figure of Han Solo in a Stormtrooper outfit is currently available on specially marked boxes of Kellogg's Froot Loops cereal. The Solo figure is available from Kellogg's in exchange for two Froot Loops proof-of-purchase UPC symbols and the official order form. The offer exired on December 31, 1995 (or when supplies were exhausted). The figure is limited to one order per order form and five per mailing household. The secondary market value for the Han Solo Stormtrooper is $20-30.

Kenner has also released a four-pack of original Star Wars figures, crafted from the old figure molds. The re-issues are identical to the originals and include Chewbacca, Darth Vader, Han Solo and Luke Skywalker. The set of four retails for $19.95.

Some hobby retailers expressed concern that the new Star Wars line might have a negative effect on the sales of figures and accessories produced from 1978 through 1985. "Such has not been the case, " claims retailer Ken Lawrence of Heroes Unlimited in Oradell, N.J. "The new line hasn't slowed sales on older pieces at all. I wouldn't say the new line has sparked significant interest in older releases, but it hasn't hurt."

Of the new Star Wars line, Princess Leia and C-3PO have taken the lead as the most actively pursued figures. C-3PO was a late release and is now valued at $12-18. There was a rumor in the hobby marketplace that Kenner was displeased with Leia's appearance and planned for changes. Not so, say Kenner sources. Her figure is currently an easy $15-20 sell.

According to retailers in the know, three different Star Wars case assortments have been produced. Assortment #1 contained no Leias or C-3POs, three Han Solos, three Luke Skywalkers and two of each of the remaining figures (Ben Obi-Wan Kenobi, Chewbacca and R2-D2). Assortement #2 included no C-3POs, two Leias and two each of all the other figures. The most recent assortment features one Leia, one Kenobi, two C-3POs and two of everyone else.

Star Wars releases slated for February include Han Solo (Hoth gear), Lando Calrissian (Cloud City outfit), Yoda and TIE Fighter Pilot, along with Luke Skywalker's Lightsaber and a Speeder Bike with Scout Trooper.

I hope no one ever overpaid for that figure. But like Jason, I still have a carded version of it, maybe two

I remember reading in Lee's Action Figure News and Tomart's magazines how people were panicking about not finding the Leia at the time I started collecting POTF2 figures, which was early 96. I even got caught up in it a bit, cause I hadn't seen many of the first 9 figures in stores. But then one day in the Insider, they had a great deal to get all 9 of the first figures for something like $30. I got that ordered up and had myself a complete set for the time. Yet people were still clamoring for the Leia, so when I finally found some I naively bought them thinking I could move them. Silly me though, considering at the same time everyone else found them and to this day I can't move these ugly harlots!

I wasn't really actively collecting when POTF2 first debuted, but despite some of the crappy He-Manish likenesses, I bet it was an exciting time. Plus, although it is always nice seeing lots of figures/product, I kind of miss the days where the releases were limited a bit more as they were in the POTF2 days. Less to hunt down, but fun to be able to "keep up". Sometimes it feels like you are always behind nowadays. On the current topic though, man that Leia is a horrible figure. Yikes.

It was a really fun time to collect Brian. Most of the time new things were coming out. Even better though was the diversity of stores carrying the stuff. You didn't have a limited selection of retailers carrying a limited amount of product. I didn't have so much money then as I was in grad school, but it was great to go and find 20 new figures on the pegs and have to pick and choose among them.

No one was buying all the troopers up either. People that were buying were pretty much buying them to keep, open or play with. None of the current have to be there first mentality either.

I still remember that day in 1995 when I was browsing through the Zellers toy department and my heart nearly stopped when I saw those orange cards with Star Wars figures on them... Then my heart started racing and I knew my childhood hobby was going to become an adult bigger kid hobby.

Not only do I remember finding these, but I remember finding them again in 1998 at TRU on discount! That was how I found my AT AT etc. I enjoyed this line, and am glad I have them in the collection, though most are opened (like most of my collection). I also think I have one or two carded, and one or two loose! Glad now I usually only get 1 per figure (except some clones).

Logged

"For too long gentleness has been equated with weakness. Yet it takes more strength to be gentle than to be mean."

John Keeshan

Wants: Saga Wave 3

SilverZ

I've just done a big update to the POTF2 basic figure section of the database. I've reshot a lot of the figures and added quite a few more. More nostalgia. Pop in and check them out if you have some time.

I've just done a big update to the POTF2 basic figure section of the database. I've reshot a lot of the figures and added quite a few more. More nostalgia. Pop in and check them out if you have some time.